Ruth M. Abbiati

GORHAM — Ruth Ann (Moir) Abbiati passed away unexpectedly after many years of illness on April 16, 2012, at a Portland hospital.

Ruth was born in Portland, the daughter of Bernard Moir and Laura (Chapman) Moir. Although she graduated from Springfield (Mass.) High School, Ruth remained a Presque Isle/Caribou girl at heart. She graduated from the University of Maine at Orono and went on to teach English in Augusta, Phoenix, Ariz., and Falmouth. It was at Falmouth High School where she met her husband. After taking time to raise her boys, she became the head librarian at the Warren Memorial Library in Westbrook.

She was married to David Abbiati of Gorham for almost 45 years. During that time she raised two sons, Joe Abbiati of Lebanon, and Tony Abbiati of Newton, Mass. It cannot be stated how proud she was of the accomplishments of her sons. They were the center of her every waking thought.

In addition to her husband she is survived by her brother, Jim Moir of Gorham. It was through her love and association with Jim that Ruth developed and passed on to her family an appreciation of camping. She treasured her little red camp on Keoka Lake.

Above all, Ruth was a devoted and loving grandmother of five. Her love of them was unconditional and well reciprocated. As her physical abilities became limited, one of her greatest joys was planning special and meaningful gifts for her grandchildren.

In spite of a great number of long-term and debilitating illnesses, Ruth was an example to many for her courageous and positive outlook on life.

Everything Ruth undertook was accomplished with enthusiasm and vigor. She was an expert knitter and enjoyed birding. She drove herself to high standards exemplified by her determination as a librarian, her desire for physical fitness as a power walker and biker, her participation in music and theater, and her creation of a family calendar. Her antics were often amusing but always loved by her family. She was an excellent musician, singing in church choirs and music theaters. Her piano playing enlivened all family gatherings. She enjoyed reading and photography.

Ruth was a longtime founding member of the Friends of Bill W., a recovery group that began almost 25 years ago in South Portland. She was much loved by many individuals in the program, and was largely responsible for finding a home for the group in Westbrook, first at the Warren Memorial Library and finally at the Trinity Lutheran Church.

A service in her honor and memory will be held at the Dolby and Dorr Funeral Chapel, 76 State Street, Gorham, at 12:30 p.m. on Friday, April 20, 2012. Online condolences may be made to www.dolbyfuneralchapels.com.